Superfood:
What Is Kefir?
24 December 2016 washingtonFAMILY.com



TEXT Michelle Bosmier
K efir is a beverage created after
cleansing the intestines and providing high
fermentation of kefir grains in a liquid.

levels of vitamin B12, minerals and complete
Sometimes other ingredients are added
proteins. It is often referred to as “a balanced
to assist in the fermentation, to feed the
and nourishing food” and is said to contribute to
grains or to alter the flavor.

a healthy immune system.

Two distinct types of kefir grains are used for
the fermentation process: water kefir grains
and milk kefir grains. They look very similar, but
milk kefir grains are a deeper white color, while
water kefir grains are more translucent. The milk
grains are used in cow, goat and
sheep milk as well as
Kefir is often recommended to help with
autoimmune disorders, stomach complications,
chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer. It is also
a great source of calcium; a 175 grams serving
of kefir provides about 20 percent of the
recommended daily allowance, which is vital for
healthy bones and teeth.

non-dairy varieties
like almond and
As for mental health, kefir boasts a tranquilizing
soy milk. Water
effect on the nervous system, which can
kefir grains are
potentially benefit those who suffer from
used in spring
depression, sleep disorders and attention deficit
water, mineral
hyperactivity disorder.

water, well water,
coconut water, etc.

Kefir beverages can be purchased commercially;
Kefir can be consumed as is, added to
however, it is very simple and inexpensive to
smoothies or used to make kefir cheese. Some
make kefir at home. It just requires some grains
kefir can even be fermented longer to create an
or even a starter kit, a glass jar and the liquid,
alcoholic beverage.

and 12-48 hours to culture. Once cultured,
you can add sugars, blended fruit or juice for
The primary reason people consume kefir is to
flavoring. Luckily, there are dairy and dairy-
increase their levels of probiotics. Probiotics
free choices available, so lactose-intolerant
are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for
your health, especially your digestive system.

individuals can benefit as well.

Probiotics are destroyed along with the harmful
bacteria when antibiotics are used (or misused),
so it has become more and more important to
intentionally add them back into your diet.

Kefir grains are a combination of healthy
bacteria and yeasts that transfer into the
beverage during fermentation. Kefir assists in
Michelle Bosmier is a passionate nutrition expert,
author and health journalist with
vast experience in dieting and wellness, as
well as a committed ‘high’ raw foodist and
raw-foods researcher. Michelle has co-created
RawFoodHealthWatch.com, a resource base
dedicated to unraveling the perks of raw foodism,
sharing recipes and healthy alternative dieting tips.

washingtonFAMILY.com December 2016 25